IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME ( IBS ) - MODERN DISEASE

IBS is a chronic functional disorder with no organic substrate. It is characterized by abdominal pain associated with defecation, defecation disorder and/ or abdominal distension. Predominance is among younger women and associated with stress and irregular nutrition. Case report: Female patient, 35 years old, came to her GP's office due to her digestive problems, in the form of flatulence and diffuse abdominal cramps that pass after defecation. Difficulties are present back eight months, since she took her new job. Her stool is irregular, she is sometimes constipated and sometimes has a few mushly stools per day, with an admixture of mucus. She has not lost any weight, nor was febrile. Laboratory tests and thyroid function were in order, coprocultures were negative. The patient was addressed to a gastroenterologist which has by endoscopic treatment excluded primarily an inflammatory bowel disease and celiac disease. GP then explains patient the nature of disease, gives her suport, prescribes anticholinergic therapy for a month and schedules her for next visit in two weeks, with the advice on nutrition and reducing the impact of daily stress. Conclusion: The diagnosis of IBS is not simple, because the symptoms are similar as in other diseases. The key is good doctor- patient relationship, because with an individual therapeutic approach and continuous care, family physician is the one who enables the patients to understand the nature of disease, cope with it and accept changes in their lifestyle and eating habits in order to have a quality life.